Adjustable electrical connector hood

ABSTRACT

A hood for electrical connectors, which adjusts to fit connector frames of a variety of lengths, including forward and rearward shells that telescope into one another and that each can be attached to one end of a connector frame. The outermost of the telescoping shells has a pair of inwardly-extending flanges that rest against the connector frame and are received in cut-away lower edges of the other shell.

ilmted States Paten 1 1 1111 3,803,530 Lapraik Apr. 9, 1974 [541 ADJUSTABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR 3,757,031 9/1973 lzraeli .1 174/138 F HOOD 1,336,205 4/1920 Davis 174/1311 F I 2,422,847 6/1947 Peter 1 220/37 X 75] lnventor: Scott J. Lapraik, Moorpark, Ca f- 2,374,971 5/1945 Benander 339/141 Assigneez viking Indusries Inc. Chatsworth 3,061,083 10/1962 Hubbell, Jr. 339/36 l'f. 1 Cal Primary Examiner-Bobby R. Gay [22] Filed Feb- 8, 1973 Assistant Examiner-Terrell Lewis [21] APPL 336,810 Attorney, Agent, or FirmLindenberg, Freilich &

- Wasserman [52] US. Cl. 339/36, 174/138 F, 333399//110938, [57] ABSTRACT [51] 11m. (:1 H01r 13/44 A hood for electrical co ct ch adjusts to fit [58] Fi ld f S a h 174/138 F, 5 R; 339/3 connector frames of a variety of lengths, including for- 339 44 34 42 3 ,4749, 3, 5, 75,92, ward and rearward shells that telescope into one an- 91, 136, 137, 1138, 139, 140, 198, 206, 211 other and that each can be attached to one end of a 213,103; l91/30,35;220/24.2,24.3,3.7,8 connector frame. The outermost of the telescoping shells has a pair of inwardly-extending flanges that rest [56] R fe n e Cited against the connector frame and are received in cut- UNITED STATES PATENTS away lower edges 0f the other S118". 11/1966 Matto et al 174/138 F x 8 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures ADJUSTABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOOD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates a hood assembly which fits over This invention relates to electrical connectors, and 5 an elongated connector frame 12a. The hood assembly more particularly to an adjustable hood for attachment to elongated connector frames.

One type of electrical connector assembly widely used in connecting electrical cables includes elongated frames that are each covered by a hood. A repairman may connect the multiple wires of a cable to the contacts of a frame and then cover one face of the frame with a hood. Normally, several different sizes of frames are utilized, which are identical except that they are of different lengths to accommodate different numbers of contacts. A corresponding number of different hood sizes have heretofore also been provided to cover the different frames. If one type of hood could be provided which would fit the various connector frame sizes, then the number of parts that must be stocked and carried by repairmen could be reduced. Of course, any multi-purpose hood would have to be capable of manufacture at low cost and must be durable under normal usage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a durable and low-cost electrical connector hood is provided which can be adjusted to fit electrical connector frames of a variety of sizes. The hood includes forward and rearward shells that telescope into one another and that each can be attached at one end thereof to an end of a connector frame. The shells have closely fitting top walls and side walls to effectively seal one face of the connector frame. The side walls of both shells lie against the connector frame to provide bracing for the shells, and one of the shells has inwardly extending flanges that are received in cut-away lower edges of the other shell to closely tie the shells together for further bracing. I

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawmgs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS cated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional side view showing an alternate clamp assembly. utilized. with the hood assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a hood and clamp apparatus constructed in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention.

includes forward and rearward shells 14, 16 that telescope into one another to fit connector frames of a variety of lengths. The forward shell 14 has a pair of side walls 18, 20 that lie at either side of the frame 12a, a forward wall 22 fixed to an end flange 24a of the frame, and a top wall 26 that connects the side and front walls together. The rearward shell 16 has a pair of side walls 28, 30 that lie at either side of the frame 12a, a rear wall 32 that is attached to an end flange 34a of the connector frame, and a top wall 36 that joins the side walls 28, 30 together. The shells 114, 16 telescope into one another, with the rearward shell 16 surrounding the forward shell 14, to fit connector frames of different lengths.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the hood assembly 10 mounted on an electrical connector frame 11% of smaller length than the frame 12a. The connector frames such as 12a and 12b are identical except that they are of different lengths to accommodate different numbers of contacts 38. The framellZb is utilized to connect the multiple wires of a cable 40 to corresponding wires of another cable (not shown) or a printed circuit board. The connector 12b may be of the female type which receives a male connector (not shown) and with the contacts 38 of the two connectors engaging one another. A repairman must'first connect the numerous wires such as wire 42 to the different contacts such as 38 of each frame, and then attach the hood assembly 10 over one face of the frame to protect the wires 42. The frame has a body 44 and a pair of end flanges 24b, 34b, and is identical to other frames of a series except that the body 44 of the different frame types are of different lengths.

The hood assembly 10 can be attached to any of the frames of the series such as frame 12b, by merely telescoping the two hood shells ll4, 16 to the proper length and attaching them to the end flanges 24b, 34b of the connector frame. The front wall 22 of the forward shell has a threaded hole 46 that can receive a screw 48 that passes through an end flange 24b of the connector frame. Similarly, the rear wall 32 of the rearward shell 16 has a threaded hole 50 that can receive a screw 52 that passes through the frame flange 34b. A repairman installs the hood assembly by first passing the cable 40 through an aperture 54 formed in the rear wall 32 of the rearward shell 16. He then connects the ends of the wires 42 of the cable to. the various contacts 38 of the connector frame 12b. The forward shell 114 is then mounted on the connector frame by passing the screw 48 through the end flange 24b of the frame and screwing it into the threaded hole 46 in the front wall 22 of the forward hood shell. The rear frame 16 is then slid or telescoped over the forward shell until the rear wall 32 of the rearward shell lies against the flange 34b. The screw 52 is then pushed through a hole in the frame flange 34b and threaded into the hole 50 of the rear wall. Finally, a cable tie 56 is wrapped around the cable and around a rear extension 58 of the top wall 36 of the rearward shell, between a pair of ridges 60, 62 thereof.

FIGS. 3 and 3A show how the side walls 13, 20 and 28, 30 of the two hood shells are braced against the connector frame 12b and against each other for strength. The side walls 18, 20 of the forward shell have lower ends that lie against the sides 70, 72 of the connector frame, so that these side walls 18, 20 are braced against inward deflection. The side walls 28, 30 of the rearward frame have inwardly extending flanges 74, 76 at their lower ends which also extend to the sides 70, 72 of the connector frame, so that these side walls are also braced against inward deflection. The side walls of the two hood shells lie closely against one another along the region where the two shells overlap, so that they brace one another to provide further strength. In addition to bracing against inward deflection, it is desirable to brace the side walls against outward deflection or spreading apart. This is accomplished by forming cut-away bottom edges at 78, 80 in the side walls 18, 20, and by forming the upper surfaces 82 of the flanges 74, 76 to fit into the cut-away surface 78. As a result, the side walls 28, 30 of the rearward shell cannot deflect outwardly without also pulling out the side walls 18, 20 of the forward shell. This protects the front ends 28F, 30F of the rear shell against breakage by outward bending, and also eliminates an unsightly gap that could otherwise occur between the front ends 28F, 30F, of the rear shell and the side walls of the front shell.

FIGS. 4 and illustrate another clamp apparatus 100 that can be used with the hood assembly of FIGS. 13 to hold the cable 40 in place. The clamp assembly 100 includes a clamp housing 102 with a band-like portion 104 that encircles the rear extension 58 of the rear hood between the ridges 60, 62 thereof. The housing also has a forwardly-extending flange 106 that lies in the aperture 54 of the rear wall of the rearward shell 16, and that has a hole 108 that can receive the screw 52 to help retain the clamp in position. A nut 110 can be attached to the end of the screw 52 if it is desired to more securely hold the clamp housing in place. A clamp member 112 is also provided that can slide along a guideway 114 formed in the clamp housing 102,,to move towards and away from the rear extension 58 of the rearward shell to clamp the cable 40 tightly thereagainst. A tightening screw 116 which is threadably engaged with the clamp housing 102 and which has an end that bears against the clamp member 112, can be turned to move up the clamp member against the cable.

FIG. 6 illustrates yet another hood and clamp appara ms, in which the rearward shell 16a has a rear wall 32a with a pair of guide slots 120 that receive a pair of runner feet 122 of a clamp member 124, to slideably support the clamp member. A pair of locks 126 on the runner feet prevent loss of the clamp member prior to tightening on a cable. The clamp member is tightened by installing a screw 127 in a threaded hole 128 lying between the guide slots 120, and turning the screw to push the clamp towards a rear extension 58a of the shell. The provision of a pair of guide slots 120 on either side of the screw hole 128, can simplify the construction while permitting the use of a rear wall 32a of only small thickness to facilitate injection molding of the shell.

Thus, the invention provides a hood for use with elongated electrical connectors of different lengths, 6

which readily adjust to fit any of the connectors. The hood includes a pair of telescoping shells, each fastenable to one end flange of the connector frame. The top and side walls of the shells lie close against one another where they overlap and the lower edges of both shells lie against the connector frame so that both shells are braced against inward deflection. In addition, the innermost one of the shells (which is the forward shell) has side walls which are cut-away at the inside, while the outermost shell (the rearward shell) has a flange that is received in the cut-away portion, so that the innermost shell braces the other one against outward deflection. A simple clamp is also provided which can be readily attached to the rearward shell to securely clamp an electrical cable in place.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, it is recognized that modifications and variations may readily occur to those skilled in the art and consequently it is intended that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications and equivalents.

What is claimed is:

1. An adjustable electrical connector hood for covering electrical connector frames of different lengths, comprising:

a first shell having a forward end wall, a top wall, and

a pair of side walls, and having an open bottom and rear end, the forward end wall having means fastenable to an electrical connector frame; and

a second shell having a rearward end with a wirepassing aperture therein, a top wall, and a pair of side walls, and having an open bottom and forward end, and having means at the rear end fastenable to an electrical connector frame;

an outermost one of said shells having a top wall lying over the top of the other shell, and having side walls lying against the outer faces of the side walls of the other shell.

2. The hood described in claim 1 wherein:

said second shell has a rear extension along the top wall, and has a rear wall with a threaded hole and a pair of guide slots on either side of the hole; and including a clamp member having a pair of runner feet received in said guide slots; and

a screw in said threaded hole and having an end bearing against a portion of the clamp member which lies between said runner feet.

3. An adjustable electrical connector hood for covering electrical connector frames of different lengths, comprising: 1

a first shell having a forward end wall, a top wall, and

a pair of side walls, and having an open bottom and rear end, the forward end wall having a fastenerreceiving hole therein for receiving a fastener to hold the forward end to an electrical connector frame; and

a second shell having a rearward end wall with a wirepassing aperture therein, a top wall, and a pair of side walls, and having an open bottom and forward end, the rearward end wall having a fastenerreceiving hole therein for receiving a fastener to hold the forward end to an electrical connector frame;

an outermost one of said shells having a top wall lying over the top of the other shell, and the side walls of the outer shell having inwardly extending flanges received under the bottom of the side walls of the other shell, said shells being longitudinally slideable with respect to each other to thereby adjust to electrical connector frames of different length.

4. The hood described in claim 3 wherein:

the flanges on said outermost shell are angled upwardly, and the lower edges of the side walls of the other shell are cut-away to closely fit the flanges.

5. The hood described in claim 3 wherein:

the top wall of said second shell has a rear extension extending rearwardly of said rear wall thereof; and including a clamp which includes a clamp housing that encircles said rear extension and that has a forwardly extending flange held to said rear wall of said second shell, and a cable-engaging member slideable along said clamp housing toward and away from said rear extension to clamp a cable thereagainst.

6. An electrical connector assembly comprising:

a cable having a plurality of electrical wires;

a frame assembly including an elongated frame with opposite faces having an end flange at each end thereof, and a plurality of electrical contacts mounted on the frame and extending between said opposite faces and connected to said electrical wires;

a forward shell having a pair of side walls lying at either side of said frame, a forward wall fixed to one of said end flanges of the frame, and a top wall joining said side and end walls; and

a rearward shell having an upper wall lying over the forward shell, having a rear wall with an aperture therein through which said cable extends, said rear wall fastened to an end flange of said frame, and having a pair of side walls lying outside the side walls of the forward shell, the lower edges of the side walls of said rearward shell having inwardly extending flanges lying against the frame and under the lower edges of the forward side wall, the lower edges of the forward shell side walls being cut-away at the inside and the flanges of the rearward shell closely received therein to prevent outward movement of rearward shell side walls.

7. The electrical connector described in claim 6 wherein:

the top wall of said rearward shell has a rearward extension with a pair of spaced laterally extending ridges formed therein; and including cable tying means lying between said ridges and wrapped around said cable and rearward extension to hold them tightly together.

8. The electrical connector described in claim 7 wherein:

said cable tying means includes a clamp housing surrounding said cable and rearward extension and having a forwardly extending flange lying in the aperture in the rear wall of the rearward shell and fastened thereto, and a member slideable on the clamp housing to press against the cable. 

1. An adjustable electrical connector hood for covering electrical connector frames of different lengths, comprising: a first shell having a forward end wall, a top wall, and a pair of side walls, and having an open bottom and rear end, the forward end wall having means fastenable to an electrical connector frame; and a second shell having a rearward end with a wire-passing aperture therein, a top wall, and a pair of side walls, and having an open bottom and forward end, and having means at the rear end fastenable to an electrical connector frame; an outermost one of said shells having a top wall lying over the top of the other shell, and having side walls lying against the outer faces of the side walls of the other shell.
 2. The hood described in claim 1 wherein: said second shell has a rear extension along the top wall, and has a rear wall with a threaded hole and a pair of guide slots on either side of the hole; and including a clamp member having a pair of runner feet received in said guide slots; and a screw in said threaded hole and having an end bearing against a portion of the clamp member which lies between said runner feet.
 3. An adjustable electrical connector hood for covering electrical connector frames of different lengths, comprising: a first shell having a forward end wall, a top wall, and a pair of side walls, and having an open bottom and rear end, the forward end wall having a fastener-receiving hole therein for receiving a fastener to hold the forward end to an electrical connector frame; and a second shell having a rearward end wall with a wire-passing aperture therein, a top wall, and a pair of side walls, and having an open bottom and forward end, the rearward end wall having a fastener-receiving hole therein for receiving a fastener to hold the forward end to an electrical connector frame; an outermost one of said shells having a top wall lying over the top of the other shell, and the side walls of the outer shell having inwardly extending flanges received under the bottom of the side walls of the other shell, said shells being longitudinally slideable with respect to each other to thereby adjust to electrical connector frames of different length.
 4. The hood described in claim 3 wherein: the flanges on said outermost shell are angled upwardly, and the lower edges of the side walls of the other shell are cut-away to closely fit the flanges.
 5. The hood described in claim 3 wherein: the top wall of said second shell has a rear extension extending rearwardly of said rear wall thereof; and including a clamp which includes a clamp housing that encircles said rear extension and that has a forwardly extending flange held to said rear wall of said second shell, and a cable-engaging member slideable along said clamp housing toward and away from said rear extension to clamp a cable thereagainst.
 6. An electrical connector assembly comprising: a cable having a plurality of electrical wires; a frame assembly including an elongated frame with opposite faces having an end flange at each end thereof, and a plurality of electrical contacts mounted on the frame and extending between said opposite faces and connected to said electrical wires; a forward shell having a pair of side walls lying at either side of said frame, a forward wall fixed to one of said end flanges of the frame, and a top wall joining said side and end walls; and a rearward shell having an upper wall lying over the forward shell, having a rear wall with an aperture therein through which said cable extends, said rear wall fastened to an end flange of said frame, and having a pair of side walls lying outside the side walls of the forward shell, the lower edges of the side walls of said rearward shell having inwardly extending flanges lying against the frame and under the lower edges of the forward side wall, the lower edges of thE forward shell side walls being cut-away at the inside and the flanges of the rearward shell closely received therein to prevent outward movement of rearward shell side walls.
 7. The electrical connector described in claim 6 wherein: the top wall of said rearward shell has a rearward extension with a pair of spaced laterally extending ridges formed therein; and including cable tying means lying between said ridges and wrapped around said cable and rearward extension to hold them tightly together.
 8. The electrical connector described in claim 7 wherein: said cable tying means includes a clamp housing surrounding said cable and rearward extension and having a forwardly extending flange lying in the aperture in the rear wall of the rearward shell and fastened thereto, and a member slideable on the clamp housing to press against the cable. 